Why do I have to pay?

One of the most common misconceptions of these gatherings is that they are AA meetings, and since “there are no dues or fees for AA membership…” there should be no fees to attend. Conventions and conferences are special events, not regular meetings. They require months of planning, preparation, and money to present. Since most events are held in hotels/convention centers, there is a charge for the use of the facility. Along with the facility’s charge, the hotel/convention center will require that the group purchase coffee and food. Other expenses include travel and lodging for conference speakers (they are never paid a fee for speaking), printing of flyers, schedules, badges, postage and supplies. A large event requires a substantial amount of money to present.

The 90th AA Founders Day event is self-supporting. No group monies are used to pay for the event. The cost of the event is paid through registration fees, no baskets are passed. The ideal event is to break even; therefore, the registration fee is nominal compared to a weekend’s worth of entertainment anywhere else. Attendance is voluntary and as responsible AA members we pay our own way.  if there is an apropos surplus of collected funds they will be distrubuted through the suggested AA distribution methods after the host committee determines its balances and prudent reserve seed for future events. 

No One will be turned away due to a lack of funds and gratefully generous members have stepped up for a few who will need our support.